The ongoing research around COVID-19 continues to unveil deeper and often alarming health consequences. One of the latest findings has sent ripples through the medical community: Covid-19 infection can triple the risk of heart attack, according to a new study published by the American Heart Association (AHA). This study, which reviewed over 150 high-quality research papers, highlights that not just COVID-19 but also other viral infections like influenza, HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles significantly raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
This revelation reinforces what health experts have been warning since the early days of the pandemic — that the virus doesn’t just affect the lungs, but also has profound effects on the cardiovascular system.
The Study That Shocked the Medical World
According to the study led by Dr. Kosuke Kawai, an adjunct associate professor at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, Covid-19 infection can triple the risk of heart attack post-infection. The findings also revealed that influenza can quadruple the risk of heart attack, showing a similarly dangerous impact on heart health.
The researchers concluded that viral infections cause inflammation in blood vessels, damage the inner lining (called the endothelium), and increase clot formation — all of which are key triggers for heart attacks and strokes.
“While it’s long been known that viruses like HPV or hepatitis B can cause cancer, our findings show that viral infections also play a major role in cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Kawai.
How COVID-19 Affects the Heart
To understand how Covid-19 infection can triple the risk of heart attack, it’s important to know how the virus interacts with the body’s cardiovascular system. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, primarily targets the respiratory system, but it doesn’t stop there. It attacks the endothelium, the delicate layer of cells that lines blood vessels throughout the body.
When this lining is damaged, it disrupts normal blood flow, promotes clot formation, and increases inflammation. All these factors create a perfect storm for heart-related problems.
Here’s how COVID-19 affects the heart and blood vessels:
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Endothelial Damage:
The virus can directly damage the endothelium, leading to restricted blood flow through coronary arteries. This limits oxygen supply to the heart muscle, putting enormous stress on it. -
Increased Clot Formation:
COVID-19 triggers abnormal clotting, which can block arteries that supply blood to the heart, leading to a heart attack or stroke. -
Chronic Vascular Dysfunction:
Even after recovery, some patients experience long-term vascular issues, scarring, and inflammation — contributing to a condition known as long COVID. -
Myocardial Injury:
The combination of inflammation and endothelial injury can damage heart tissues directly, leading to myocarditis or chronic heart failure in severe cases.
These complications highlight why Covid-19 infection can triple the risk of heart attack even months after recovery.
Flu and Other Viruses Are Not Innocent Either
While COVID-19 is the main focus, the study also revealed that other viruses such as influenza, HIV, hepatitis C, and shingles have similar cardiovascular impacts. For instance, flu infections can quadruple the risk of heart attack during and immediately after the illness.
These viruses cause widespread inflammation in the body, which can destabilize existing plaques in arteries. Once these plaques rupture, they can block blood flow and cause a sudden heart attack.
This means that preventing viral infections is not just about avoiding fever or cough — it’s about protecting your heart.
Who Is at the Highest Risk?
Not everyone who catches COVID-19 will experience heart problems, but certain groups are much more vulnerable. According to the American Heart Association, individuals with the following conditions are at higher risk:
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Pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure
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Diabetes or obesity
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History of stroke or vascular disease
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Elderly individuals (aged 60 and above)
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Smokers and those with poor lifestyle habits
For such individuals, Covid-19 infection can triple the risk of heart attack, making preventive care even more critical.
Signs That Your Heart May Be Affected After COVID-19
Even after recovering from COVID-19, you should watch out for symptoms that might indicate post-infection heart complications. These include:
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Shortness of breath or chest pain
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Persistent fatigue or lightheadedness
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Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
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Swelling in legs or feet
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Sudden weakness or fainting
If you experience any of these signs weeks or months after COVID recovery, consult a cardiologist immediately. Early detection can prevent severe cardiac events.
Vaccination: A Powerful Shield
The study strongly emphasizes vaccination as a vital preventive measure. Dr. Kawai stated, “Preventive measures against viral infections, including vaccination, may play an important role in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Vaccination doesn’t just protect against infection; it also reduces the severity of illness, lowers inflammation, and minimizes vascular damage, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The study recommends increasing vaccination coverage for:
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COVID-19
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Influenza (flu)
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Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
This preventive approach could significantly lower the global burden of cardiovascular diseases triggered by viral infections.
Lifestyle Tips to Protect Your Heart Post-COVID
Even though Covid-19 infection can triple the risk of heart attack, there are several lifestyle measures that can strengthen your heart and reduce long-term risks:
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Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet:
Include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce salt, sugar, and trans fats. -
Stay Physically Active:
Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling, five days a week. -
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol:
Smoking damages blood vessels, while excessive alcohol raises blood pressure and triglyceride levels. -
Manage Stress:
Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help lower stress hormones that negatively affect heart health. -
Get Regular Check-Ups:
Routine heart check-ups and blood pressure monitoring can detect issues early. -
Stay Hydrated and Sleep Well:
Good hydration and 7–8 hours of sleep support overall cardiovascular function.
The Takeaway
The findings that Covid-19 infection can triple the risk of heart attack highlight the far-reaching impacts of the pandemic. Beyond its immediate respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 poses a long-term threat to cardiovascular health by damaging blood vessels and promoting inflammation.
However, with preventive care, vaccination, and healthy lifestyle choices, we can minimize these risks. For those who have recovered from COVID-19 or flu, regular heart monitoring is essential to catch potential issues early.
As the world continues to navigate post-pandemic health challenges, the message from researchers is clear: protecting yourself from viral infections also means protecting your heart.
